Panasonic SZ7 vs Pentax K-r

Its time to look more closely at the Panasonic SZ7 vs Pentax K-r, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. The image resolution of the SZ7 (14MP) and the K-r (12MP) is pretty similar but the SZ7 (1/2.3") and K-r (APS-C) have totally different sensor measurements.

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The SZ7 was unveiled 11 months after the K-r which means that they are of a similar generation. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Panasonic SZ7 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-r being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a quick view of how the SZ7 matches up vs the K-r when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ7 and Pentax K-r. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic SZ7 Gallery and Pentax K-r Gallery.

If you're planning to carry around your camera often, you're going to have to think about its weight and size. The Panasonic SZ7 features exterior dimensions of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") accompanied by a weight of 133 grams (0.29 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-r has specifications of 125mm x 97mm x 68mm (4.9" x 3.8" x 2.7") and a weight of 598 grams (1.32 lbs).

See the Panasonic SZ7 vs Pentax K-r in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you have chosen at the time. The following is a front view over all size comparison of the SZ7 and the K-r.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the SZ7 and K-r is 95 and 67 respectively.

Generally, it can be hard to envision the gap between sensor sizes purely by reviewing specifications. The picture underneath may provide you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ7 and K-r.

To sum up, each of these cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The SZ7 using its tinier sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field harder and the Panasonic SZ7 will deliver more detail having an extra 2MP. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop photographs more aggressively. The more recent SZ7 will have a benefit with regard to sensor tech.